Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the 2009 World Youth Championships?
The 2009 World Youth Championships will be held in Bressanone, Italy July 8 - 12th, 2009.

When will the Team be selected?
The USA World Youth Team will be selected the evening of July 1, 2009. Please review the event's selection procedures for complete details. The official announcement will be made July 1, 2009 by 7pm at the Ann Arbor Marriot Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. Athletes selected to the team will need to report to the hotel by 8pm for official team sign-up.

Will an athlete be considered for the Team if they have a passport by the time the team departs for Italy on July 4th?
No. Item #4 of the selection procedures states that athletes must present to the team processing staff before 8:00 pm EST on July 1, 2009 his or her current passport valid until at least January 15, 2010 (or a copy thereof).

Will there be a Team and parents/coaches meeting before departure to Italy?
Yes. The team meeting will be held Friday morning July 3^rd at 9am at the Ann Arbor Marriot Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest. Drug testing information, travel procedures, rules and regulations, issuance of uniforms, and athlete expectations will be discussed during this session. It is strongly encouraged that parents and/or coaches make return flights for late afternoon, Friday July 3^rd, in order to attend this meeting.

What are the travel dates & policies for the World Youth Team?
Athletes are responsible for their domestic travel logistics and costs to/from Detroit.  USATF will be responsible for logistics and costs for international travel to/from Italy.

After the official team meeting, athletes will be under the supervision of USATF, move into the EMU dormitories, and be provided lunch and dinner on Friday July 3rd. The Team will depart, early afternoon, from Detroit on Saturday July 4^th. They will return back to Detroit Monday July 13^th, late evening.  Athletes will be housed overnight in Detroit on the evening of July 13^th.

Once an athlete is selected to the team it is the athlete's responsibility to book (or change their) return tickets to their home city for Tuesday, July 14^th.  

***Please confirm your international travel dates and times before finalizing your domestic return flight home. ***

Can athletes use their own implements for the World Youth Championships?
Personal implements will be allowed at the World Youth Championships. For guidelines and a list of approved implements visit the 2009 World Youth Championship website .

How much luggage can athletes take to Italy and who is responsible for applicable fees?
Athletes will be allowed two (2) checked bags for travel; maximum weight per bag is 50lbs (23kg). One of these two bags will be the official Team USA bag provided by USATF.  Athletes will be responsible for all fees associated with overweight or additional luggage.

Is there a list of recommended travel items for athletes who make the World Youth Team?
Athletes who make the Team are encouraged to bring a bath towel, wash cloth, and shower shoes. It is also recommended that athletes bring universal travel adapters/converters to recharge personal electronics used during the trip.

How will the shipment of pole vaults to the World Youth Championships be handled?
USATF will handle logistics and costs associated with shipping pole vaults to/from Italy. Athletes will be responsible for logistics and costs associated shipping poles to /from Detroit.

If an athlete is selected for the Team may they participate in the 2009 USA Youth Outdoor Championships?
No. Athletes selected to the World Youth Championships Team will not be able to participate in the USA Youth Outdoor Championships subsequent to selection to the Team.  This is to ensure that the athletes are well rested and free from injury.

Where can I learn more about the 2009 World Youth Championships and the history of the event?
More information can be found at the 2009 World Youth Championships website.

Who is on the coaching staff accompanying athletes to Italy?
The 2009 World Youth Championship staff consists of a number of coaches, managers, and trainers with a wealth of knowledge and international experience.

Will USATF provide assistance to parents and coaches interested in traveling to Italy?
USATF will not provide assistance to parent or coaches interested in traveling to Italy for the 2009 World Youth Championship. Assistance with air, hotel, and travel insurance can be obtained by contacting National Travel Systems*, sportsinfo@nationaltravelsystems.com  or call 1-888-603-8747.  Please reference the “World Youth Championship Team” at the time of your inquiry.

 *Note: National Travel Systems does not have access to event tickets. Please visit the official 2009 World Youth Championship website for ticket and event information.*

Additional travel and tourism information can be found by visiting the Brixen/Bressanone tourist office at www.brixen.org.

Will World Youth Championship event tickets be available via USATF?
No. Please visit the official 2009 World Youth Championship website for ticket and event information.

Additional Questions? - Contact Tricia Floyd